Technology Is A Lifeline

For many of us, technology is second nature. Most people have cellphones on hand to make calls. Most people have computers in their homes to use for school, business, or pleasure. We use these technology tools so often that we are not aware of it. For many of us, technology is a given- something we sometimes take for granted. For others, technology can affect lives greatly.

Technology, for those with exceptionalities, can be a lifeline. This is apparent in the video Enabling Dreams, which discusses how assistive technology can change the lives of individuals with exceptionalities. Susanna Martini, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, has a computer with talking software to aid with her homework. She has a wheelchair that helps her navigate through school corridors, home, and the outside world. Without assistive technology, Martini said she "can't exist today." Students, such as those in Redwood Heights Elementary School, rely on assistive technology for their education. Some of the students use handheld devices to control the computers. Some use touch-screen computers with large icons. One student has a disability that affected his limbs and the only body part he can move is his eyebrow. For him to learn and use the computers, a headpiece was wrapped around his head that responds to his moving eyebrow! Technology is not only used for navigation or learning purposes. Lucas Bratcher uses technology as an outlet for his passion in music. He has a special musical horn instrument that he can play despite having stiff joints and unusable limbs.

This video made me realize how technology is seen as lifelines by many individuals with exceptionalities. For many people without disabilities, technology is just a way to do schoolwork, reasearch, or simply as entertainment. Although I do not have a disability, I am now more aware and appreciative of what technology can do. Technology can indeed affect lives greatly.